Claimed Parent as Dependent - No Stimulus

Sorey · ‎January 12, 2021

Last year I claimed my parent as a dependent, without realizing that I couldn't and wouldn't get any credit because their income was above $4,200. After the first stimulus came out, my parent did not receive it. We found it odd, but waited. Now that the second stimulus came out, my parent did not receive it either. It never occurred to me that because of my mistake of declaring my parent as "my dependent", my parent will not receive the stimulus. Can I amend my 2019 taxes and remove my parent as a dependent, and then amend my parent's 2019 taxes to remove the "someone claims me as a dependent" status? Would my parent then be eligible to receive their stimulus payment?

Thank you for any insight.

Critter-3 · ‎January 12, 2021

Your parent simply needs to file a 2020 return to get the missing stimulus credits.

After you have entered your tax information and are ready for the Federal Review, stimulus will be the first question.
If you are trying to trigger it:

go to Other Situations
click Done.
The next question will ask about payments received.

The program will determine the missing amount and add it to your refund.

Please see: Is My Second Stimulus Check on the way? and the IRS stimulus website

Critter-3 · ‎January 12, 2021

Now for your error ... if you were not allowed to claim your parent as a dependent then you need to amend your 2019 return.

Amend your 2019 return if you need to change or correct something after you already filed it.

Keep in mind: You have 3 years from the date you filed your 2019 return (or 2 years after you paid the tax due, whichever is later) to file an amended return.